Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Services in North America

Abstract

To characterize the current availability and scope of pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility (PNGM) services in North America (NA), the NASPGHAN-NGM committee distributed a self-reporting survey through the NASPGHAN bulletin board and mailing listserv, to compile a list of NA centers offering PNGM services, PNGM training, and the types of diagnostic and therapeutic PNGM procedures and services. We received responses that 54 centers in NA offer some form of PNGM services. Previously, the NASPGHAN website had last updated information from 2015 listing 36 centers in the USA and 2 in Canada. The American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) website had 16 PNGM centers listed in NA in 2021. Neither of these resources capture additional information regarding training, research, advanced diagnostics, and therapeutics, and all available PNGM services. Our data highlights the growth in the field of PNGM services, and the variability of their distribution throughout the continent.

Analysis of Neurogastrointestinal and Motility Disorders From the National Pediatric Database (Kid’s Inpatient Database): Exploring Demographic Access and Outcomes

“…Given the geographic distribution of motility testing, it appears that the rate of motility testing is higher for those patients who live nearby the centers offering the test. Although we cannot comment on outcomes or the distance patients have to travel to get the motility‐related care from our study, it has been demonstrated from the population statistics that there are not adequate number of motility centers in many parts of the country (8). The combination of these factors together with the limited motility providers adds to the difficulty in accessing the motility care for children.…”

“…These differences could result from variations in conducting the tests, clean out methods (home vs inpatient), length of actual study (6–8 hours vs longer duration), timing of motility studies in relation to anesthesia (motility study being performed on the same day or the following day after the manometry catheter placement), and any complications that may incur at the time of procedures. Depending upon density and pediatric population statistics, availability of PNGM experts varies significantly (8). Accordingly, the statistics around the rate of PNGM studies are also influenced significantly.…”

“…In 2019, there were only 13 centers recorded in the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society list (7). According to a recent national survey, there are at least 38 motility centers offering pediatric motility services (8). Although there is notable growth in PNGM services and centers, there remains a dearth of information on the characteristics of patients getting PNGM tests and the commonly associated diagnoses.…”

JPGN and the Year 2022

“…To characterize the current availability and scope of pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility (PNGM) services in North America (NA), the NASPGHAN‐NGM committee distributed a self‐reporting survey through the NASPGHAN bulletin board and mailing listserv, to compile a list of NA centers offering PNGM services, PNGM training, and the types of diagnostic and therapeutic PNGM procedures and services (15). The responses showed that 54 centers in NA offer some form of PNGM services.…”